Japan declared a state of emergency even though the opening day of the Olympics was approaching

Japanese officials want people to minimize travel as much as possible during the upcoming ‘Golden Week’, so strong, focused and short-term restrictions are needed.

On April 23, Japan declared a state of emergency in Tokyo and three western provinces, in the context of the country facing a wave of epidemics. COVID-19 when only 3 months from the Olympics Olympic will take place. Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide said that an emergency will be in place in Tokyo and Kyoto, Osaka and Hyogo prefectures. According to Economic Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, the state of emergency will last from April 25 to May 11. In particular, restaurants, bars, karaoke bars serving alcoholic beverages will have to close, while sporting events will take place without audience. Violations will be sanctioned according to the new rules. Department stores, movie theaters and other businesses over 1,000 square meters will also close, while offices and businesses have to make it easier for employees to work from home. Even so, schools continued to open. According to Minister Nishimura, Japanese officials want people to limit travel as much as possible, so it needs strong, concentrated and short-term restrictions. Execution wave state of emergency this time affects nearly a quarter of the Japanese population and will last through “Golden Week” (29 / 4-5 / 5). Therefore, the tourism industry and the service business are expected to suffer a lot. Meanwhile, the Mayor Tokyo Yuriko Koike said authorities would recommend that shops and buildings turn off signs and advertising lights at night to let the city “fall into the dark”, thereby making residents less likely to go out into the street . Besides, Ms. Koike also suggested people who do not live in Tokyo should not come to this city if possible./. People in the Japanese capital Tokyo. (Photo: AFP / VNA)